Jaipur, July 13: Officials of the Income Tax department on Monday conducted raids locations belonging to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's aides - Congress leaders Rajiv Arora and Dharmender Rathore. According to news agency ANI, offices and residence of Rajiv Arora and Dharmender Rathore were raided by the Income Tax sleuths. Searches were carried out in Jaipur, Kota, Delhi and Mumbai. Sachin Pilot Clears Air, Says 'Not Joining BJP' Amid Tussle With Ashok Gehlot.

The raids were conducted at a time when CM Ashok Gehlot is facing a revolt from his deputy and Congress leader Sachin Pilot. The Congress government in Rajasthan is staring at what has happened in Madhya Pradesh when Jyotiraditya Scindia left along with over 20 MLAs. Pilot on Sunday openly announced that he has the support of 30 MLAs and the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan has lost majority. Jyotiraditya Scindia Reacts to Rajasthan Congress Crisis, Says 'Sad to See Sachin Pilot Being Sidelined'.

IT Raids at Rajiv Arora And Dharmender Rathore's Properties:

In an official statement, Pilot said, "Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot government is in minority after over 30 Congress and some independent MLAs have pledged support to me." Congress, however, has claimed that 109 MLAs are supporting the Gehlot government. The Congress Legislative Party has issued a whip to its MLAs to attend a meeting on today in Jaipur. It has warned of disciplinary action if they absent themselves without mentioning a reason.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2020 11:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).